Surgical treatment of liver metastasis with uveal melanoma: A case report

BACKGROUND: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor affecting the eyes in adults. Nearly half of all primary uveal melanoma tumors metastasize; yet, there are currently no effective treatments for metastatic uveal melanoma. At the time of diagnosis, less than 4% of patients with uveal melanoma have detectable metastatic disease. Uveal melanoma disseminates hematogenously, with the most common site of metastasis being liver (93%), followed by lung (24%) and bone (16%). CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed with a dysplastic nevus on her eyelid, which was histologically confirmed as malignant melanoma after resection. The patient had no evidence of metastasis to other organs and received both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. After systemic treatment, a metastatic left neck lymph node was found and another round of chemotherapy was performed after resection. Positron emission tomography-Computed Tomography tracking after completion of chemotherapy revealed two metastatic liver nodules. The patient underwent partial liver resection and showed no signs of recurrence at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgery is an effective treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma. In patients with liver metastatic lesions, hepatectomy improves outcome.